“He thought I’d stay quiet forever—he was wrong” — David Muir reportedly WINS explosive ABC power struggle with George Stephanopoulos after months of silent FEUD that’s now boiling over behind the network’s polished facade

For months, whispers of tension between David Muir and George Stephanopoulos grew louder behind ABC’s cameras. Now, insiders say the cold war has ended—with Muir emerging victorious. Sources reveal a string of behind-the-scenes moves, quiet reassignments, and a power shift that blindsided even longtime staffers. Was it about airtime, ego, or something deeper? And what pushed this feud from hushed gossip to a full-blown network shake-up? With Muir now holding the cards, many are wondering what’s next—and whether Stephanopoulos saw it coming.

Read the full breakdown of the feud ABC never wanted you to see.

ABC’s David Muir has reportedly (Image: ABC)

In a stunning turn behind the scenes of one of America’s most trusted news networks, whispers of a cold war between ABC’s David Muir and George Stephanopoulos have finally broken into full view. And according to multiple insiders, the victor has quietly emerged: David Muir.

What began as subtle shifts in airtime and on-camera presence has erupted into a full-scale reshuffling at ABC News. Longtime staffers are now speaking in hushed tones of a power struggle they say reshaped the very core of the network’s leadership. And the man who once operated in the shadow of a political heavyweight is now standing center stage, holding the reins of ABC’s news empire—alone.

The Feud That Was Never Meant to Go Public

For years, David Muir and George Stephanopoulos were portrayed as pillars of the same house—colleagues united under the ABC banner. But sources say the harmony was little more than a polished illusion. Beneath the surface brewed a rivalry driven by airtime battles, editorial control, and one of the most coveted prizes in network television: influence.

According to industry veteran Oliver Darcy, who broke the story on the Daily Mail’s Welcome to MAGAland podcast, the feud was “never loud, but always present.”

“It’s not like an active feud,” Darcy explained. “It’s more like North Korea and South Korea—a détente. But make no mistake, there’s no love lost between them.”

“David won.”

With those two simple words, Darcy ignited the media world. He went on to reveal that David Muir, once labeled “narcissistic” by some of his detractors, had solidified himself as the undisputed face of ABC News.

“There’s a reason George Stephanopoulos no longer plays a leading role in ABC’s political coverage,” Darcy continued. “He used to be the man. Now, it’s David.”

The remark was not just a reflection of shifting roles—it was confirmation of a calculated behind-the-scenes campaign that many believe Muir executed with strategic brilliance.

George Stephanopoulos has been with ABC since 1997. (Image: Getty)

Silent Moves, Public Impact

The shift didn’t come with grand announcements or formal demotions. Instead, it played out in subtle ways: fewer appearances by Stephanopoulos during major political events, a noticeable uptick in Muir’s solo coverage of primetime specials, and—most tellingly—a growing distance between the two anchors, even when they shared the same airwaves.

While ABC continues to deny any internal strife, insiders say the evidence is impossible to ignore.

“There was a time when George called the shots,” one senior producer revealed under condition of anonymity. “Now, it’s David who gets first pick on assignments, David who gets the headline interviews, David whose vision shapes the news agenda.”

A Battle of Styles—and Legacies

Much of the tension reportedly stems from their sharply contrasting styles. Stephanopoulos, a political insider since the Clinton White House, brought with him the gravitas of experience and establishment prestige. Muir, meanwhile, built his brand on poise, polish, and a relentless focus on public trust. Where Stephanopoulos thrived in the chaos of debate analysis, Muir commanded calm during national crisis.

“George always thought the network would need him for credibility,” one staffer explained. “But David became the steady hand people trusted. Especially when things got tough.”

Some claim that the shift in audience tastes—away from punditry and toward reliable, composed news anchors—gave Muir the natural edge. Others believe Muir played the long game, slowly aligning with top executives and quietly carving out more influence as Stephanopoulos’s reach plateaued.

A Power Shift Sealed in Silence

One of the most telling signs of the realignment is how rarely the two anchors now appear together in meaningful ways. Gone are the days of co-hosted election coverage or back-to-back segments. Stephanopoulos is still a staple of Good Morning America, but Muir is now the name behind World News Tonight—a title that carries the highest evening news ratings in the country.

Even Stephanopoulos’s role has been redefined. He now hosts a monthly special and manages a Disney-linked production company. Respectable, yes. But hardly the center of ABC’s news universe anymore.

“He’s doing great,” Darcy admitted. “But let’s be honest—David holds the crown.”

Denials—and Doubts

ABC News, when contacted by the Daily Mail, swiftly denied any behind-the-scenes feud. “There are far more important things going on in the world right now. This is nonsense,” a network spokesperson said.

But for those watching closely, the denial rings hollow.

“If everything was fine,” one insider asked, “why does David get the final word on coverage? Why did George disappear from the biggest political stories of the year? Why are people afraid to even say the word ‘feud’ on set?”

A Quiet Victory—With Loud Consequences

What makes this saga so compelling is not just who won, but how they did it. Muir never lashed out. He never spoke publicly. He never let the tension show on air. Instead, he let his work speak for itself—until his position was no longer arguable.

The man many thought would always play second to Stephanopoulos has now taken the lead. And while the victory may have been silent, the consequences are echoing through every level of ABC News.

What Comes Next?

Some believe the storm is over, that the power struggle has reached its natural conclusion. Muir commands the flagship show, Stephanopoulos retreats to a supporting role, and the network quietly moves on.

But others aren’t so sure.

“You don’t just erase a rivalry like that,” one veteran executive said. “This wasn’t about ego. It was about legacy. And when legacy’s on the line, there’s always a next move.”

For now, David Muir sits at the top. Calm. In control. And, for the first time, entirely alone in the spotlight.

And for George Stephanopoulos? The silence from his camp may be even louder than any denial.

Because in the world of broadcast news, sometimes the biggest shake-ups aren’t delivered in headlines. They happen when no one’s watching—until it’s too late.